Rating: Must DoA helicoptor tour over this city is a must - We launched from the Helipad in the Lagoa using Helisight Tours - Yes they speak some English - and yes you should land somewhere other than where you take off - We lapped the Cristo Rendentor a couple of times and frankly I didn't need to make the climb after that.
We landed James Bond style on the Pao de Azucar (Sp?) FUN!
http://www.helisight.com.br/

Rating: DoNeed breakfast, need a sandwich, want it good and quick - There are literally 100's of options and you'll look like a local, well you might I am pasty white or red depending on how sun i have.

Rating: Must DoThis is one of those small brazilian bars where the people are so damn nice and cool, after a day at the beach slide by to get deep-fried balls of Shrimp and enjoy a beer.
tables won't come easy but it's brazil drinking on the streets is cool

Rating: DoOk so the supermodel working the door is going to eyeball you up and down, don't show up wearing flip flops, call ahead for reservations if you can and enjoy a couple of drinks in here if possible. Our local host was shocked that we got in, frankly i was to, but once in we had a great time

Rating: DoWe chose to land a helicopter from our tour on this mountain and do it James Bond style. you could take the Tram up
if it's new years and you want to avoid the crowds in Copacabna or Leblon take your party up here!

Rating: Must DoGreat restaurant for late night dinner well it is Brazil and they generally go out late - Awesome part of town to be in and active night life on the streets. If I remember correctly college students gather on the streets to drink beer and the streets are packed - keep your eye open buy a beer and have some fun before dinner

Rating: Must DoIf there is a must do in Rio this is at the top of the list. three floors of old antique emporium now a dance club.
When we were the crowd ranged from 20 yr olds to 60 yr olds
Weekend nights w/o reservation the line is going to be huge to get in, my suggestion is to walk up to the VIP entrance near the door politely talk to the guy and tell him you are interested in a table if available - sure you will spend some money but it's worth it.
Bring Cash it's much faster to pay at the end of the night
Oh and just don't lose your drink ticket cause that is how they track how much you have had to drink and you can't get out without it being stamped as paid.

Rating: MissCopacabana Palace is to Rio what the Plaza is to New York. You should definitely go (check out the pool!), and it would be memorable to stay once, but it's much safer, more neighborhoody & inspiring to stay in the neighborhoods of Leblon or Ipanema as opposed to Copacabana.

Rating: DoIf you'd prefer to stay in a quieter part of the city, this is a beautiful, high end boutique hotel on the hills overlooking the city. You'll have to take taxis to and from this hotel to pretty much everywhere else in the city, but it could be nice for a night or two.

Rating: Must DoEither stay here, a hotel near here on the beach, or in an AirBnB apartment near here. Best location. Rooms are eclectic, well designed and largest on the beach. (Pricey and always booked, too).